Usual vs. Usually — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
"Usual" is an adjective describing something that is common or typical, while "usually" is an adverb indicating that something happens most of the time or under normal circumstances.
Difference Between Usual and Usually
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Key Differences
"Usual" is used to describe nouns and implies that the item or activity is typical or expected, as in "the usual routine." "Usually," on the other hand, modifies verbs and suggests a regular occurrence of actions or behaviors, as in "She usually arrives early."
"Usual" often implies a consistent pattern or expectation when describing a noun, like "the usual place," which refers to a known or repeated location. "Usually," on the contrary, modifies a verb to show frequency, as in "He usually eats breakfast."
When saying "usual practice," we refer to standard procedures or habits in specific situations. However, "usually practices" implies that an individual frequently engages in a specific activity.
"Usual" is limited to adjectives describing a known, consistent pattern, whereas "usually" has a broader application in describing regular actions or habits.
While "usual" suggests a static, recognizable standard or expectation, "usually" denotes a dynamic process that may vary but follows a typical pattern most of the time.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Modifies
Nouns
Verbs, adjectives, adverbs
Indicates
Typical state or standard
Frequency or regularity
Example Usage
"The usual spot"
"She usually arrives early"
Usage Context
Describes expected patterns
Describes recurring actions
Compare with Definitions
Usual
Predictable based on past events.
It happened at the usual time.
Usually
As is customary or habitual.
He usually takes the bus.
Usual
Habitually done or used.
He ordered his usual coffee.
Usually
Generally or regularly.
They usually play tennis on weekends.
Usual
Typical or routine in occurrence.
She wore her usual smile.
Usually
In most instances.
She usually arrives on time.
Usual
Commonly found or experienced.
This is the usual place where we meet.
Usually
As frequently experienced.
The weather is usually sunny in May.
Usual
Established as standard practice.
They followed the usual procedure.
Usually
Under normal conditions;
Usually she was late
Usual
Commonly encountered, experienced, or observed
The usual summer heat.
Usually
Commonly encountered, experienced, or observed
The usual summer heat.
Usual
Regularly or customarily used
Ended the speech with the usual expressions of thanks.
Usually
Regularly or customarily used
Ended the speech with the usual expressions of thanks.
Usual
In conformity with regular practice or procedure
Come at the usual time.
Usually
In conformity with regular practice or procedure
Come at the usual time.
Usual
Most commonly occurring; typical.
The preference of a boy to a girl is a usual occurrence in some parts of China.
It is becoming more usual these days to rear children as bilingual.
Usually
Most of the time; less than always, but more than occasionally.
Except for one or two days a year, he usually walks to work.
Usual
The typical state of something, or something that is typical.
Usually
Under normal conditions.
Usual
(colloquial) A specific good or service (e.g. a drink) that someone typically orders.
I'll just have the usual.
Usual
Such as is in common use; such as occurs in ordinary practice, or in the ordinary course of events; customary; ordinary; habitual; common.
Consultation with oracles was a thing very usual and frequent in their times.
We can make friends of these usual enemies.
Usual
Occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure;
Grew the usual vegetables
The usual summer heat
Came at the usual time
The child's usual bedtime
Usual
Commonly encountered;
A common (or familiar) complaint
The usual greeting
Common Curiosities
What is an example sentence with "usually"?
e.g., "He usually takes the train to work."
What is an example sentence with "usual"?
e.g., "She ordered her usual coffee."
How do "usual" and "usually" differ in meaning?
"Usual" describes a standard or norm, while "usually" indicates frequency.
Is there a superlative form for "usual"?
Yes, the superlative form is "most usual."
What is the comparative form of "usual"?
The comparative form is "more usual."
Does "usually" indicate certainty or probability?
"Usually" indicates high probability but not absolute certainty.
Can "usual" and "usually" be used interchangeably?
No, "usual" is an adjective for nouns, while "usually" is an adverb for verbs and adjectives.
What part of speech is "usual"?
"Usual" is an adjective.
Is "usually" interchangeable with "often"?
They are similar but not identical; "often" refers to frequent occurrence, while "usually" implies a consistent pattern.
Can "usual" be used as an adverb?
No, "usual" is strictly an adjective, not an adverb.
Can "usual" refer to people?
Yes, "usual" can describe people when they are part of a predictable pattern, e.g., "the usual customers."
Can "usual" and "usual practice" mean the same thing?
No, "usual" alone describes a norm, while "usual practice" specifically refers to a standard procedure.
How often does "usually" imply something happens?
"Usually" implies that something happens more often than not, generally over 50% of the time.
Can "usually" modify other adverbs?
Yes, "usually" can modify adverbs, e.g., "usually quickly."
Is "usual" used in both formal and informal contexts?
Yes, "usual" can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
